The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has issued a yellow weather warning for the whole of Belgium, urging the public to prepare for icy conditions and reduced visibility from Friday evening through to Saturday morning.
As temperatures are set to plummet across the country, Friday evening will mark the onset of freezing weather, with the freeze continuing into the night and well into Saturday.
The combination of icy conditions and freezing fog will create hazardous situations, particularly on the roads.
According to the RMI, the cold snap will cause roads to become slippery, with patches of frozen ice expected to develop, posing a significant risk for drivers.
The icy conditions will be compounded by the possibility of melted snow refreezing, leading to even more treacherous roadways.
The RMI advises extreme caution while driving, especially on stretches where snow has melted during the day, as it will freeze over during the night.
The biggest concern, however, will be the freezing fog, which will start to roll in from 18:00 on Friday. This fog will significantly reduce visibility to less than 200 metres in many parts of the country.
It will last until approximately 11:00 on Saturday morning. The RMI has urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise additional caution in areas affected by the fog, as the poor visibility can result in dangerous driving and walking conditions.
Western Belgium and the coastal areas will experience isolated showers over the weekend, with precipitation that may freeze upon contact with the cold surfaces.
This adds another layer of difficulty for road users, as the freezing rain may accumulate quickly, making roads even more hazardous.
While the western regions face the possibility of rain showers, the rest of Belgium will remain dry. However, very localized snowfall may occur in parts of the country, adding to the wintry conditions.
The snow is expected to be light and not widespread, but even small amounts can make roads slippery.
The RMI’s yellow warning highlights the risks that come with these conditions, urging people to limit travel if possible and take necessary precautions, especially on the roads.
Drivers are advised to check road conditions regularly, ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter driving, and maintain a safe speed to reduce the risk of accidents.
Authorities are also warning the public to stay vigilant when walking, as the freezing fog can obscure ice patches on footpaths and roads.
In addition, the freezing fog could cause a dangerous build-up of ice on power lines and trees, which may result in local power outages or disruptions.
With the forecasted weather conditions expected to persist through Friday night and Saturday morning, Belgian authorities are urging citizens to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
As always, the safety of the public is paramount, and the RMI is continuing to monitor the weather closely. If the conditions worsen, further warnings or advisories may be issued.
